James began his career above the line, working at DFGW, Partners BDDH and AMV, before he decided to expand his horizons and experience other kinds of advertising at the wonderful Craik Jones Watson Mitchell Voelkel. From Craik Jones he moved to iris as Head of Planning, and four years later moved to The Communications Agency and then Rapier as Planning Director.

James has worked on brands including Land Rover, first direct, The Balvenie, NatWest, American Express, the National Trust, Utterly Butterly (twice) and the Cutty Sark. Highlights include a D&AD Yellow Pencil, a DMA Grand Prix and a Highly Commended (aka Thank You For Turning Up) at the APG Creative Planning Awards.